What is the best time to schedule a fertility consultation?
Deciding to seek fertility treatment can generate doubts, insecurity, and even some anxiety. However, taking that first step early can make a big difference in the options and the results. The key is understanding how human fertility works and when it's appropriate to seek help.
As Dr. Vega Cabezuelo, a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Women's Unit of the Ruber International Hospital, explains, it is essential to know that achieving pregnancy is not always immediate, but it is important to know when the right time is to consult.
Human fertility: more limited than we think
It is often assumed that getting pregnant is easy, but the reality is that the human species has a relatively low reproductive efficiency. In each menstrual cycle, the probability of achieving pregnancy is approximately 20%.
This means that even in healthy couples with no apparent problems, it can be normal to take several months to conceive. In fact, after a year of regular attempts, around 80-85% of couples will have conceived naturally.
For this reason, it is traditionally recommended to seek fertility treatment after 12 months of trying unsuccessfully. However, this recommendation is not the same for all cases.
When is it not advisable to wait a year?
As Dr. Vega Cabezuelo points out, there are situations in which it is advisable to bring forward the consultation, since time plays a crucial role in fertility.
Maternal age
Age is one of the most determining factors. After age 35, female fertility declines progressively, both in the quantity and quality of eggs. Furthermore, the effectiveness of assisted reproductive treatments also decreases.
Therefore, women over 35 years of age are advised to consult a doctor if pregnancy has not been achieved after 6 months of trying.
Menstrual cycle disorders
A regular menstrual cycle is usually indicative of ovulation. When irregularities occur, such as widely spaced periods or absence of menstruation (amenorrhea), it is important to consult a doctor from the beginning, as there may be an ovulatory problem.
Previous gynecological conditions
Some conditions can make pregnancy difficult and require early evaluation:
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Previous pelvic surgeries
- History of pelvic infection
These situations can affect the fallopian tubes, uterus, or ovarian function.
male factor
As Dr. Cabezuelo points out, fertility doesn't depend solely on the woman. Approximately 30-40% of cases have a male origin. It's advisable to consult a doctor beforehand if there is a family history of:
- Cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiotherapy)
- Hormonal alterations
- Urological or testicular problems
repeat miscarriages
When a couple has experienced two or more miscarriages, it's not necessary to wait a year. It's advisable to consult a doctor after a few months of trying again to investigate possible causes.
Genetic background
If there are hereditary diseases in the family or a history of miscarriages due to genetic causes, it may be advisable to have a preliminary study or receive genetic counseling before trying to get pregnant.
How to take the first step?
Attending a fertility consultation does not necessarily mean starting a complex treatment. As Dr. Vega Cabezuelo explains, the first step is always a personalized evaluation.
This consultation typically involves:
- Detailed medical history of both members of the couple
- Study of the menstrual cycle
- Hormone tests
- Gynecological ultrasound
- Semen analysis (semen study)
- Other specific tests depending on each case
The goal is to identify if there is any cause that is hindering pregnancy and, based on that, to propose the best options.
Break myths and act in time
One of the most common mistakes is delaying the consultation, thinking that "it will come eventually" or that "it's just a matter of time." While this is true in many cases, in others, waiting can reduce the chances of success.
Seeking advice doesn't mean there's a serious problem, but it allows you to:
- To know the real situation of fertility
- Optimize the chances of pregnancy
- make informed decisions
Comprehensive support
Taking the step towards a fertility consultation is also a form of self-care. Today, specialized clinics offer a comprehensive approach, combining diagnosis, treatment, and emotional support.
As Dr. Vega Cabezuelo points out, each case is unique and each motherhood or fatherhood project deserves a personalized approach, based on scientific evidence and closeness with the patient.